Worldwide, avocados are still an increasingly popular snack. And some US farmers are growing the tropical fruit locally. Weaver Whimsy Farm is filled with exotic trees that are well adapted to the Florida climate. That includes their five avocado trees. "We will be planting more varieties this fall."
Lyle Weaver plans to expand his avocado grove after watching them succeed over the past 5 years - especially the "Del Rio" and "Opal" varieties. All the avocados on Weaver's farm come from trees that are native to Mexico. Those are the most "cold tolerant".
Cold hardy avocados can survive to 20o F, with some reporting survival with temperatures as low as 15o. In North Florida, the temperatures are mild enough for some varieties to produce a heavy crop, which is usually ready for picking in late summer and early fall.
Perhaps the most interesting benefit of getting avocados locally are the new options available. The avocados on Weaver's farm have edible skin. That means no peeling is necessary for your guacamole.
Lyle told wcjb.com he still prefers to take the thin skin off and enjoy the rich flavor. The avocado trees on the farm are varieties that produce especially fatty avocado fruits.
